Plastic Alternatives Matrix

	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H
1			NOTE: These are generalizations and may not be accepted at every compost facility. Check in with your local sustainability or zero waste team to confirm what items are compostable at your location.
2	Item		Plastic (not permissable)	Alternative (preferred)	Alternative (acceptable)	Alternative (acceptable)	Notes	Product Examples
3			The items in this column are made of plastic and therefore not permissible under the Policy. This includes plastics 1-7 and may also include PLA (compostable plastic), depending on local hauling restrictions.	This column lists preferred materials in each category. Overall reusable items are perferred. For accessory items, provide upon request or do not provide if not necessary.	If reusable are not possible, this column list acceptable disposable alternatives. In general, look for unlined, unbleached 100% fiber-based products. Strive for materials free of PFAS.		Be cautious of the following text: "made with plants"; "biodegradable"; "plant-based" and others as many of these claims are misleading. Avoid utensils that are made of plant starch material as these often contain plastic fillers.

4	Bags	Bags		Do not provide bags or available only upon request
5	Foodware items	Clamshells		Reusable plates or bowls
6		Containers					If possible, look for options without a plastic lining, however lining might be essential to prevent spilling. If so, opt for PLA lining. These cannot be recycled because it has come into contact with food/liquids and would be considered as contamination.
7		Plates					If possible, look for options without a plastic lining, however lining might be essential to prevent spilling. A key indicator is if the plate is glossy. If so, opt for PLA lining. These cannot be recycled because it has come into contact with food/liquids and would be considered as contamination.
8		Bowls					If possible, look for options without a plastic lining, however lining might be essential to prevent spilling. A key indicator is if the plate is glossy. If so, opt for PLA lining. These cannot be recycled because it has come into contact with food/liquids and would be considered as contamination.
9		Food Trays					Look for trays that are not lined with plastic
10		Cold Cups					Look for cups that do not have a plastic liner. While many cups are paper, they may be lined with plastic, which may not be accepted in many compost facilities
11		Hot Cups					Look for cups that do not have a plastic liner. While many cups are paper, they may be lined with plastic, which may not be accepted in many compost facilities
12	Foodware accessory items	Cold Cup Lids		Do not provide lids or available only upon request			If there are no feasible alternatives to cold cup lids, your location may set up an exemption for this item until there are more options available on the market
13		Hot Cup Lids		Do not provide lids or available only upon request
14		Utensils					Be cautious of the following text: "made with plants"; "biodegradable"; "plant-based" as many of these claims are misleading. Avoid utensils that are made of plant starch material as these often contain plastic fillers.	World Centric Fiber Cutlery
15		Straws					Can make straws available only upon request. For accessibility, a small selection of single-use plastic type straws may be made available
16		Stirrers		Do not provide stirrers or available only upon request
17		Condiment Cups					If possible, serve condiements in bulk and avoid single-serving condiment packets, as these are not recyyclable or compostable.
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